2000 years ago, there was a piece of clothing from Maharashtra that the world adored. The Greeks and Romans loved it so much that they even created gold ornaments to match it. And it was Paithani saree - the queen of sarees.
The Satavahana Era – Paithan’s Golden Beginning
The story of Paithani begins with Paithan, the capital of Raja Satavahana, located on the banks of the Godavari river.
During his reign, Paithan wasn’t just a city, it was a flourishing center of art, silk, and weaving.
With royal patronage, Paithani weaving reached its first golden age. Every saree woven here reflected luxury, heritage, and the pride of Maharashtra.
The Peshwa Period – How Paithani Reached Yeola
Fast forward to the 16th century, and the story of Paithani takes a new turn.
At that time, Yeola was just a dense forest, known more for thieves than trade. This changed when Sardar Raghuji Naik cleared the forests, built a settlement, and brought skilled weavers to Yeola.
With their craft, Paithani weaving flourished in Yeola. The artistry impressed the Peshwas, who admired these sarees so much that they extended royal encouragement.
During the Peshwa era, Paithanis became even more luxurious, woven with gold and silver threads. Their richness and weight turned them into true heirlooms.
Why Paithani is Called the Queen of Sarees
From Satavahana patronage to Peshwa admiration, Paithani has always symbolized royalty, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Every saree takes months to weave, with intricate motifs like peacocks, parrots, lotuses, and the iconic asavali borders.
This is why Paithani isn’t just a saree, it’s a piece of living history, passed down through generations, and still treasured today as the “Queen of Sarees.”
When you drape a Paithani, you aren’t just wearing silk and zari. You’re carrying forward a 2000-year legacy that connects you to the Satavahanas, the Peshwas, and the artisans who keep this art alive.
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